Capacitor Bank Switch Controls

The capacitor switch controls shown on these pages are different from other controls commonly used to operate Joslyn™ switches. First, they have extremely low power demands. Second, the control is very precise in timing switch contact opening and closing. Third, the controls are connected to the switches with a cables having connectors on both ends to speed installation.

The power demand is low because both the single and multiple switch controls are powered by switching power supplies with 10 and 25 watts ratings respectively. At these low power levels the peak current demand is easily under three amperes and the maintenance charging current is a trickle. Since the power demand is so low, voltage drops in long runs of wire to the control do not cause operating problems. The controls can accept 12 Vdc, 48 Vdc, 120 Vac, 125 Vdc, or 220 Vac. inputs.

These controls are very precise in controlling switching time because the basic electronic circuitry used in all the controls was designed for closing switches at zero voltage. The precision is achieved both by electronic switching and also having a closely regulated voltage on the stored energy capacitors. The zero voltage switching feature is optional, but even if this option is not elected the precision is retained by the electronics.

The controls are easy to diagnosis and repair. They are a modular assembly of circuit boards, wiring harnesses, and cables all of which can be quickly unplugged and replaced. This enables a person who is not familiar with the details of the circuitry and operation of the control to quickly isolate and determine what components are not working properly by substituting whole assemblies.